Summary

Key Benefit:Building on a long tradition of effective pedagogy and comprehensive presentation,The Cosmic Perspective Media Update,Fifth Editionincludes Voyager: SkyGazer planetarium software, an updated Astronomy Media Workbook, on CD-ROM at no extra charge, and an enhanced MasteringAstronomy trade; online tutorial and assessment system. This editionrs"s expanded visual pedagogy features new Cosmic Context two-page illustrations that walk readers through key processes and summarize the major concepts in each Part. Key Topics:Our Place in the Universe, Discovering the Universe for Yourself, The Science of Astronomy, Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity, Light and Matter: Reading Messages from the Cosmos, Telescopes: Portals of Discovery, Our Planetary System, Formation of the Solar System, Planetary Geology: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds, Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds, Jovian Planet Systems, Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts, Other Planetary Systems: The New Science of Distant Worlds, Our Star, Surveying the Stars, Star Birth, Star Stuff, The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard, Our Galaxy, Galaxies and the Foundation of Modern Cosmology, Galaxy Evolution, Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe, The Beginning of Time, Life in the Universe Market Description:Intended for readers interested in learning the basics of astronomy.

Table of Contents

Developing Perspective

Our Place in the Universe

Discovering the Universe for Yourself

The Science of Astronomy

Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation

Key Concepts for Astronomy

Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity

Light and Matter: Reading Messages from the Cosmos

Telescopes: Portals of Discovery

Learning from Other Worlds

Our Planetary System

Formation of the Solar System

Planetary Geology: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds

Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds

Jovian Planet Systems

Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts